4/1/2014 Ebola Spreads to Guinea Capital, Is Now in Three Countries

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The New York Times reported today that 13 cases of Ebola have broken out in the capital city Conakry. The outbreak, which has already killed 83 people and is in three countries, has raised concerns that containment will become even more difficult. Conakry has a population of 2 million. Over 400 cases are currently being evaluated for Ebola, and is believed to be in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) notes that this is an unprecedented epidemic in regards to the distribution of the disease.

WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone based on the current information available for this event.

The risk of infection for travellers is very low since most human infections result from direct contact with the body fluids or secretions of infected patients, particularly in hospitals (nosocomial transmission) and as a result of unsafe procedures, use of contaminated medical devices (including needles and syringes) and unprotected exposure to contaminated body fluids. Travellers should avoid all contact with infected patients. Those who are providing medical care or are involved in the evaluation of an outbreak should wear protective clothing, including masks, gloves, gowns, eye protection and practice proper infection prevention and control and measures.